[Nutrition for diabetic patients].

Evidence demonstrates that medical diabetes treatment has to be accompanied by lifestyle modifications. Structured nutrition interventions and increased physical activity will help patients to normalise, respectively maintain their body weight.The main target of a diabetes therapy are normal or nearly normal blood glucose levels. The following nutritional patterns facilitate reaching this goal: • Carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables,whole grains, legumes • Restriction of mono- and disaccharides are often important factors in normalising body weight and blood glucose • Reduction of dietary fat could be indicated. However, the primary goal is the limiting saturated fatty acids which to high percentage are consumed with animal products. • There is not sufficient evidence to recommend an increase of dietary protein consumption about 20 % of energy intake. • Individuals with diabetes should be aware of the importance of acquiring daily vitamin and mineral requirements. Natural food sources should be preferred.